Samsung’s One UI 7.0 brings exciting changes, including support for Android 15’s app archiving feature and a significant redesign of lock screen widgets. Here’s what you need to know about these updates.
Free Up Space with Android 15’s App Archiving
One UI 7.0 includes a new app archiving feature, first introduced in Android 15. This feature lets you temporarily remove apps or games to save space on your Galaxy phone without losing your data.
When you archive an app, its installation files are removed, but all related data is saved in the cloud. This means that when you reinstall the app, it restores with all your settings, preferences, and data intact—no need to sign in again.
Using the app archiving feature is simple:
- Open the app’s info screen.
- Tap the Archive button to free up space.
- To restore the app, tap the Restore button.
Both the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store support app archiving in One UI 7.0, ensuring compatibility across most apps. Samsung plans to roll out this feature to all Galaxy phones and tablets with the stable One UI 7.0 update, expected early next year.
Samsung Simplifies Lock Screen Widgets
One UI 7.0 also changes how lock screen widgets work. Samsung has removed the lock screen widgets carousel, a feature that allowed users to access various widgets like music controls, weather, and routines directly from the lock screen.
Previously, you could enable or disable these widgets under Settings > Lock screen and AOD. However, this option is no longer available in the One UI 7.0 beta. Instead, you can only add mini widgets below the clock on the lock screen.
While this change streamlines the lock screen experience, it might disappoint users who enjoyed the carousel’s functionality. Samsung hasn’t confirmed whether this feature will return in future updates.
Lock Screen Widgets in Context
For now, advanced lock screen customization options are still available through Samsung’s Good Lock app. With its LockStar module, you can add and manage widgets for a more personalized experience.
Meanwhile, Google has introduced the ability to add third-party widgets to the lock screen on devices like the Pixel Tablet, showing how lock screen customization continues to evolve across Android platforms.
